Dental crowns are used by dentists to make teeth look better. Dental crowns also protect weak or decaying teeth from further damage. These caps that are shaped like a tooth, cover the visible portions of the teeth, and are cemented or sealed into place. They can be either temporary or permanent depending on the needs of the patient. There are several reasons why dentists use dental crowns on their patients. Here are just some of them:
Pediatric Dentistry
Children at high risk of tooth decay because of poor oral hygiene need immediate treatment. In many cases, the damage is so great that the decaying tooth or teeth can no longer support fillings. Luckily, these teeth are only primary or baby teeth; however, primary or not, they still need to be treated. Pediatric dentists often use dental crowns to cover and protect their teeth. This is usually a temporary measure because when the primary teeth eventually give way to permanent teeth, the dental crowns come out with them.
Support, Protection, and Restoration
Dental crowns are also used in adults to protect weak or cracked teeth. The crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth and keeps it together. It also protects a weakened tooth from breaking or cracking. The use of permanent dental crowns can also restore teeth that have been severely worn down, or teeth with large fillings.
Support for Dental Implants and Bridges
Dental bridges and implants are popular alternatives to getting fitted for dentures when missing teeth need to be replaced. In order for them to work the way they are supposed to, they need a little bit more support. Dental crowns provide support to dental bridges, as the crowns help hold them in place. On the other hand, when one has a dental implant installed, it has to be covered by a dental crown to make the tooth look as natural as possible.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Having or maintaining a beautiful smile is important to a lot of people, and this is why many dentists who specialize in cosmetic dentistry in Columbia, MD use dental crowns on their patients. Crowns made out of porcelain or ceramic are quite natural looking in terms of color, and are used to cover teeth that are severely discolored. They are also useful in covering teeth that have been severely deformed by decay, or by wear and tear. In some extreme cases, dental crowns can also be used to modify an entire set of teeth for cosmetic purposes.